*'''On foot''' - Walking from one attraction to another is a popular way to get around Intramuros. Just mind the cars: there are almost no pavements to speak of so pedestrians usually share space with automobiles. It is even possible to walk on some sections of the old city walls.

*'''On foot''' - Walking from one attraction to another is a popular way to get around Intramuros. Just mind the cars: there are almost no pavements to speak of so pedestrians usually share space with automobiles. It is even possible to walk on some sections of the old city walls.

+

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* The tricycle is a good way to get around if you are alone or for two small made persons. It is cheap and the "driver" is friendly and knowledgeable enough to take you around to all the sights. Get off if you are interested to spend time at a particular site. They charge by the hour, best to settle the rate before start and set the time. The tariff drops towards the end of the day. By 4 it drops to almost half which is anyway a fair price.

==See==

==See==

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Intramuros is heaped in history. A visit to the museums throw some light on the history of Philippines and life during the early period of settlements. Try not to be tempted to get into the souvenir shops, mark them and go later after the tour around the place and all the sites are covered.

* <see name="Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception (Manila Cathedral)" alt="" address="Cabildo cor. Beaterio" directions="in front of Plaza de Roma" phone="+632-5271796 / +632-5273093 / +632-5273889 / +632-5283876" url="http://www.manilacathedral.org/index.htm" hours="Temporarily closed for repairs" price="" lat="" long="" email="mlacathedral@yahoo.com" fax="+632-5360192">Destroyed and rebuilt several times over, the Cathedral is the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila and one of the most important churches in the Philippines. The current Neo-Romanesque iteration (consecrated in 1958) is the eighth - or sixth, depending on who's counting - to stand on the site since 1581, succeeding the 19th-century structure that was levelled to the ground during the 1945 Battle of Manila. A small exhibit detailing the Cathedral's history can be found in one of the side chapels near the entrance. Masses are offered daily; refer to the official website for a full schedule of liturgical services. Free, but donations are appreciated. '''NOTE: In February 2012, church authorities announced the temporary closure of the Cathedral (effective 7th February) in order to make way for urgent structural repairs.''' No definite date has been given for the reopening, but reports say the work may require at least one year to complete. Weddings will apparently be accommodated until March but it is not currently known whether casual visitors will be allowed inside during this time.</see>

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* <see name="Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception (Manila Cathedral)" alt="" address="Cabildo cor. Beaterio" directions="in front of Plaza de Roma" phone="+632-5271796 / +632-5273093 / +632-5273889 / +632-5283876" url="http://www.manilacathedral.org/index.htm" price="" lat="" long="" email="mlacathedral@yahoo.com" fax="+632-5360192">Destroyed and rebuilt several times over, the Cathedral is the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila and one of the most important churches in the Philippines. The current Neo-Romanesque iteration (consecrated in 1958) is the eighth - or sixth, depending on who's counting - to stand on the site since 1581, succeeding the 19th-century structure that was levelled to the ground during the 1945 Battle of Manila. A small exhibit detailing the Cathedral's history can be found in one of the side chapels near the entrance. Masses are offered daily; refer to the official website for a full schedule of liturgical services. Free, but donations are appreciated. On February 2012, church authorities announced the temporary closure of the Cathedral (effective 7th February) in order to make way for urgent structural repairs. It was reopened to the public on April 2014 after undergoing extensive architectural restoration and rehabilitation. The reopened Cathedral also features an enhanced sound, video, and lighting system. </see>

*<sleep name="The Bayleaf Intramuros" alt="" address="Muralla cor. Victoria" directions="" phone="+632-3185000" url="http://www.thebayleaf.com.ph" checkin="" checkout="" price="" lat="" long="">A swank new hotel just inside the walls, with great views of the surrounding area (especially from the roof deck). The neighbourhood isn't the best of places in Intramuros but the major sites should be within an easy walk from here. Complimentary WiFi upon check-in. Has a cafe on the ground floor and a restaurant on the 9th.</sleep>

*<sleep name="The Bayleaf Intramuros" alt="" address="Muralla cor. Victoria" directions="" phone="+632-3185000" url="http://www.thebayleaf.com.ph" checkin="" checkout="" price="" lat="" long="">A swank new hotel just inside the walls, with great views of the surrounding area (especially from the roof deck). The neighbourhood isn't the best of places in Intramuros but the major sites should be within an easy walk from here. Complimentary WiFi upon check-in. Has a cafe on the ground floor and a restaurant on the 9th.</sleep>

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*<sleep name="White Knight Hotel" alt="" address="Plaza San Luis Complex, General Luna cor. Urdaneta" directions="opposite San Agustin church" phone="+632-5266539" url="http://www.whiteknighthotelintramuros.com" checkin="" checkout="" price="" lat="" long="">A new 29-room hotel set right in the heart of Intramuros. With the San Agustín Church right across the street and other major attractions within walking distance, the location is hard to beat. Free WiFi Internet access. Has a cafe-restaurant that offers a mix of Asian and Western fare.</sleep>

duvet sheets, Telephone, etc. Some of its facilities and services are Coco Bango Cafe - a new restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffets, Massage service, Conference room, Travel - airport and city transfers, car rental, tour assistance, etc. From here, guests can easily explore the oldest district in Manila and discover its rich and fascinating history. The following attractions can all be found nearby such as Intramuros - Puerta del Parian, Manila Cathedral, San Agustin Church, Fort Santiago, Reducto de San Pedro, Plaza de la Fuerza, Casa Manila,

Latest revision as of 03:09, 27 April 2014

Manila Cathedral, facing the main square of Intramuros

Intramuros[1] (Latin: within the walls) is the historic centre and oldest district of Manila, the capital city of the Philippines.

Also known as the Ciudad Murada (Walled City) because of its most famous feature: a nearly three-mile-long circuit of massive stone walls and fortifications that almost completely surrounds the entire district.

From the city's foundation in 1571 to the end of Spanish rule in 1898, Intramuros was Manila.

The Spanish conquistador Miguel López de Legazpi laid the foundations of the new capital on the former site of Maynilad, a palisaded riverside settlement ruled by a native chieftain. To protect the inhabitants from attack, in the late 1500s construction began on a series of stone walls and fortifications that would eventually enclose a pentagonal area approximately 0.67 sq km in size, within which lay a tight grid-like system of streets and a main square surrounded by government structures. The defensive curtain was more or less completed by the 1700s, although improvements and other construction work continued well into the next century.

Within the protective walls rose a city of stone palaces, churches, monasteries, convents, schools, and fine courtyard houses. In the centuries that followed, Manila (meaning Intramuros) served as the capital of the Spanish East Indies - the centre of commerce, education, government, and religion in Spain's most distant imperial possession.

Except for a brief period under British rule (1762-1764), Intramuros remained a Spanish city until 1898, when the U.S. took control of the Philippines at the end of the Spanish-American War.

In 1945, during the fierce Battle of Manila between American, Filipino and Japanese forces, Intramuros was almost completely destroyed. Instead of rebuilding on the same site, many of the religious orders and educational institutions that once resided in the walled district packed up and moved elsewhere. Although steps were taken to protect the city's historic character, vague laws and poor enforcement led to many unsightly modern buildings being built upon the ruins of the old. In 1979, the Intramuros Administration was established and stronger measures introduced in order to preserve what was left.

Many of the city's ancient gates and most of the walls have since been restored. On the other hand, there has been almost no progress in the reconstruction of key landmarks (such as major churches and old government buildings), due in part to a serious lack of funds and the existence of new structures.

For visitors who don't mind shelling out a little extra - and putting up with rush-hour traffic jams - Manila's relatively inexpensive taxis are probably the easiest and most direct way of reaching Intramuros from elsewhere in the city. The current flagdown rate is ₱40, and the fare goes up in increments of ₱3.50 every 300 metres.

The nearest railway station is Central Terminal (LRT-1 / Yellow Line) [2]. Though within sight of the eastern walls, the station is a pretty long walk from the western part of Intramuros (where many of the major sights are located), so tourists headed in that direction might consider covering the rest of the journey by taxi.

The Pasig River Ferry used to stop at Plaza México station, not far from the ruins of the Intendencia (Aduana) building, but according to reports the service has been suspended for an indefinite period. If operations resume in the future, the ferry will likely use this same stopping point.

It's hard to get hopelessly lost in Intramuros, thanks to the district's orderly street plan. General Luna (also known by its old name, Calle Real del Palacio) is the closest thing Intramuros has to a main street and gives visitors easy access to most of the major attractions, including San Agustín Church and Manila Cathedral. Follow this street all the way to its northwestern tip and you'll find yourself in front of Fort Santiago; go the other way and you'll eventually end up in Rizal Park, which is just over the border in the nearby Ermita district.

If you do lose your bearings, don't panic. Keep in mind that except for a small section near the river, the entire district is surrounded by walls - so there probably isn't much of a chance that you'll inadvertently end up in the wider city beyond. A quick look at a map (and perhaps a little help from passers-by) should easily put you back on track.

A calesa parked in front of Manila Cathedral

By calesa - First used on the streets of Manila in the 18th century, these horse-drawn carriages can usually be found waiting for passengers near Fort Santiago. A nice, old-fashioned way to get around Intramuros. To avoid getting ripped off, it may be a good idea to ask about the route and confirm the price of the trip before setting out.

On foot - Walking from one attraction to another is a popular way to get around Intramuros. Just mind the cars: there are almost no pavements to speak of so pedestrians usually share space with automobiles. It is even possible to walk on some sections of the old city walls.

The tricycle is a good way to get around if you are alone or for two small made persons. It is cheap and the "driver" is friendly and knowledgeable enough to take you around to all the sights. Get off if you are interested to spend time at a particular site. They charge by the hour, best to settle the rate before start and set the time. The tariff drops towards the end of the day. By 4 it drops to almost half which is anyway a fair price.

Intramuros is heaped in history. A visit to the museums throw some light on the history of Philippines and life during the early period of settlements. Try not to be tempted to get into the souvenir shops, mark them and go later after the tour around the place and all the sites are covered.

Except for a small open stretch near the River Pasig, Intramuros is completely surrounded by the massive stone walls that gave the district its name. Starting from the northwestern end of the fortifications and moving anti-clockwise (Note: This is not a comprehensive list!):

Fort Santiago, Santa Clara (on the NW end of Plaza Moriones), ☎+632-5271572, [3]. 8AM-6PM daily. The former military headquarters of the Spanish colonial government. Although the fort sustained very heavy damage during the 1945 Battle of Manila, several key portions of the compound were subsequently restored - including its iconic gate with a wooden relief featuring Santiago Matamoros (St. James the Moor-slayer), the patron saint of Spain. It is now considered a major landmark and one of Manila's most popular tourist attractions, partly because José Rizal - the national hero of the Philippines - was imprisoned here prior to his execution on 30 Dec 1896. The Rizal Shrine (see Museums, below), a small museum dedicated to his life and work, is housed in a restored section of one of the fort's former barracks. ₱75, ₱50 students/children.edit

Postigo del Palacio, Santa Lucia (a short distance from the back of the Palacio del Gobernador). Built in 1662, renovated 1782-83. On 30 Dec 1896, national hero José Rizal was taken through this gate en route to the place of his execution, in what is known today as Rizal Park (see related entry on the district sub-page for Ermita).edit

Puerta de Santa Lucia

Baluartillo de San Jose and Reducto de San Pedro

Baluarte de San Diego, Santa Lucia cor. Muralla, [4]. Dating from the 17th century, this formidable bastion surrounds the remains of the round fort of Nuestra Señora de Guia, the first stone fort built in Manila. Severely damaged during the Second World War, the Baluarte de San Diego was restored in the 1980s and is now a major tourist attraction.edit

Puerta Real and Revellin de Real del Bagumbayan

Baluarte de San Andres

Baluarte de San Francisco de Dilao

Puerta del Parian and Revellin del Parian

Baluarte de San Gabriel

Puerta de Isabel II, Magallanes Drive (near Colegio de San Juan de Letrán). Built in 1861, this was the last gate to be opened in Intramuros' walls under Spanish rule. A fine statue of Queen Isabel II of Spain stands in front of the gate.edit

Plaza de Roma, General Luna (Calle Real del Palacio) cor. Andres Soriano (Aduana) (in front of Manila Cathedral), [5]. Bounded by the Manila Cathedral to the southeast, the Palacio del Gobernador to the southwest and the Ayuntamiento to the northeast, this small plot of fland is Intramuros' very own plaza mayor (main square). At the centre of the plaza stands a monument to King Carlos IV of Spain, cast in 1808 and erected in 1824 by a colonial government grateful for his having dispatched a shipment of smallpox vaccine to the Philippines.edit

Ayuntamiento, Andres Soriano (Aduana) cor. Cabildo (right next to Plaza de Roma), [6]. Completely rebuilt in 1884 after the disastrous earthquake of 1863, the seat of Manila's colonial-era city council once had some of the grandest interiors in Intramuros. The 1945 Battle of Manila left it a gutted shell, of which only parts of the first storey survived; it then suffered the indignity of serving as a parking lot. A major reconstruction project that started a few years ago is finally nearing completion, with the facade of the historic building now having regained much of its prewar glory.edit

Palacio del Gobernador, General Luna (Calle Real del Palacio) cor. Andres Soriano (Aduana) (right next to Plaza de Roma), [7]. This eight-storey office building was erected in the late 1970s on the site of the Spanish Governor-General's official residence, which was destroyed in a powerful 1863 earthquake that also damaged many other structures in Intramuros. Sadly, the hulking modern building looks almost nothing like its grand 19th-century namesake.edit

Plaza Moriones - Located in front of Fort Santiago, this is where the Galeria de la Revolucion Filipina is situated.

Plaza México

Plaza Sto. Tomas

Plazuela de Sta. Isabel - a memorial monument of the civilian victims of World War II can be found here.

Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception (Manila Cathedral), Cabildo cor. Beaterio (in front of Plaza de Roma), ☎+632-5271796 / +632-5273093 / +632-5273889 / +632-5283876 (mlacathedral@yahoo.com, fax: +632-5360192), [8]. Destroyed and rebuilt several times over, the Cathedral is the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila and one of the most important churches in the Philippines. The current Neo-Romanesque iteration (consecrated in 1958) is the eighth - or sixth, depending on who's counting - to stand on the site since 1581, succeeding the 19th-century structure that was levelled to the ground during the 1945 Battle of Manila. A small exhibit detailing the Cathedral's history can be found in one of the side chapels near the entrance. Masses are offered daily; refer to the official website for a full schedule of liturgical services. Free, but donations are appreciated. On February 2012, church authorities announced the temporary closure of the Cathedral (effective 7th February) in order to make way for urgent structural repairs. It was reopened to the public on April 2014 after undergoing extensive architectural restoration and rehabilitation. The reopened Cathedral also features an enhanced sound, video, and lighting system. edit

San Agustín Church (interior)

San Agustín Church, General Luna (Calle Real del Palacio) cor. Real, ☎(museum numbers) +632-5274060 / +632-5274061, [9]. A true Spanish Baroque treasure, with magnificent trompe-l'œil ceilings and a splendid high altar. Consecrated in 1607, this ancient building managed to survive the Second World War (although it, too, sustained heavy damage) and is said to be the oldest stone church currently standing in the Philippines. It was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1993 as part of the group "Baroque Churches of the Philippines". Miguel López de Legazpi (1502-1572), the first Spanish Governor-General of the Philippines, is buried in a tomb near the high altar; other funerary monuments can be found along the walls or set into the floor. Much of San Agustín's neighbouring monastery was damaged during the war and was subsequently refashioned into exhibition space for the San Agustín Museum (see Museums, below). The church is a very popular venue for weddings; don't be surprised if you encounter a ceremony in progress during your visit. Church itself is free, but visiting the adjacent museum requires a paid ticket.edit

Casa Manila, General Luna (Calle Real del Palacio) cor. Real (across the street from San Agustín Church), ☎+632-5274084, [11]. Tu-Su 9AM-6PM. A recreation of a typical upper-class colonial Intramuros home. The interiors are filled with antique furniture, artwork, and other artifacts from the Spanish era, all carefully arranged to illustrate what life was like for wealthy families of that period. ₱75, ₱50 students/children.edit

Light and Sound Museum, Santa Lucia cor. Victoria, ☎+632-5242827, [12]. Using images, sounds, and animatronics, the museum takes visitors on a journey through Philippine history under Spanish rule. The facility is housed in a building whose facade reproduces the appearance of the old motherhouse of the Beaterio de la Compañía de Jesús, which stood on the site until its destruction during the Second World War. ₱100 per person for groups of 10 or more; smaller groups are reportedly charged a higher per-person rate (contact the museum to confirm arrangements).edit

Rizal Shrine, Fort Santiago, [13]. Tu-Su 8AM-5PM. Located within the walls of Fort Santiago (see above), this small museum contains exhibits related to the life and work of José Rizal, the national hero of the Philippines.edit

San Agustín Museum, General Luna (Calle Real del Palacio) cor. Real (right next to San Agustín Church), ☎+632-5274060 / +632-5274061. 8AM-noon, 1PM-6PM daily. Adjacent to the San Agustín Church (see Churches, above), this museum's very impressive - if rather poorly labelled - collection includes Spanish colonial-era ecclesiastical vestments, sacred vessels, religious art, manuscripts, and other important cultural artifacts. The building itself is steeped in history, fashioned out of the surviving portions of a monastery that was heavily damaged during the Second World War. ₱100, ₱50 college students, ₱45 high-school students, ₱40 elementary school students.edit

Intendencia (Aduana), Andres Soriano (Aduana) cor. Muralla (not far from the riverbank), [14]. Built in the 1820s and reconstructed after the 1863 earthquake, this building once housed the Spanish colonial government's customs offices and other administrative units. It was damaged during the war but survived to re-enter government service - at one point housing the Central Bank of the Philippines - only to fall victim to a 1979 fire that caused massive destruction. There are plans to restore the building (whose exterior walls have survived more or less intact) for the use of the National Archives.edit

San Ignacio Church, Arzobispo cor. Anda, [15]. Built by the Jesuits and consecrated in 1889, the church's magnificent interiors were completely destroyed in 1945. There are plans to restore the ruined building for use as an ecclesiastical museum.edit

ECJ Building, Santa Lucia cor. Real (near Puerta de Santa Lucia), [16]. The external appearance of this post-war building closely mimics that of the Augustinian Provincial House, an extension of the nearby San Agustín convent that was built on the site in the 19th century and destroyed by fire in 1932.edit

Club Intramuros Golf Course, Bonifacio Drive cor. Aduana Street, Port Area (30-45 min from the airport via Roxas Blvd), [17]. A few years after the Americans took over from the Spanish in 1898, the fetid, swamp-like moat around Intramuros was drained and filled in. The newly reclaimed land was later covered with grass, spiced with a few sand pits and sprinkled with water traps. Result: an 18 hole, par 66, 4,326-yard greensward that wraps around the city's ancient walls and makes for an interesting (if rather short) golfing experience.edit

For visitors looking to take something home, stores and galleries selling everything from native art to tourist kitsch aren't difficult to find in this district, especially near major landmarks like Fort Santiago. That said, Intramuros isn't really known for its shopping - to find more options one might consider heading out to the malls of the nearby Ermita area and further afield.

Max's Restaurant, 283 Cabildo, ☎+632-5270532 to 33 (fax: +632-5270533), [25]. Part of a nationwide chain of popular family restaurants, Max's specialises in fried chicken (not the cheap fast-food variety!) and other Filipino favourites.edit

Ristorante delle Mitre, CBCP Building, 470 General Luna (Calle Real del Palacio) (near San Agustín), ☎+632-5595220. Features simple, hearty Filipino meals inspired by the favourite dishes of the country's bishops and clergy. The culinary team is supervised by a nun who formerly served as a cook to a prominent local cardinal, and the walls are decorated with portraits and mementos of senior clerics - perfectly in keeping with the sacred atmosphere of the San Agustín area.edit

Barbara's, Plaza San Luis, General Luna (Calle Real del Palacio) (right across the street from San Agustín), ☎+632-5273893 / +632-5274086, [27]. Housed in a Spanish colonial-style building a stone's throw from San Agustín Church, this centrally located restaurant serves traditional Filipino and Hispanic fare in an old-style setting.edit

Ilustrado, 744 General Luna (Calle Real del Palacio) (within the El Amanecer compound, a few blocks down the street from San Agustín), ☎+632-5273674 (reservations@ilustradorestaurant.com.ph), [28]. Mainly Filipino-Spanish cuisine: rellenong bangus (stuffed milkfish), paella, and other traditional dishes. Fine dining in the heart of the walled city.edit

If you're feeling peckish - or need something more substantial to go with your beverage - the cafés listed here also generally offer light meals and snacks, making them a good alternative to the restaurants listed in the previous section.

Starbucks, 15-A Puerta Isabel II, Muralla cor. Magallanes (near Puerta de Isabel II), ☎+632-5274282, [30]. No matter where you go, you can't escape Starbucks. Sits not far from the historic Puerta de Isabel II, the last gate built in Intramuros.edit

Hotels of any kind - from the luxurious to the spartan - are easy to find in Manila, but there aren't many choices within Intramuros itself. Until recently, most visitors have had to base themselves somewhere outside the walls; this has now changed with at least two new hotels setting up shop inside the district boundaries within the last few years. In addition to the options listed below, other conveniently located hotels can be found in the neighbouring Ermita district.

Tourists willing to put up with (and pay for) long taxi rides might also consider bedding down in the high-end hotels of the posh Makati business district, miles to the southeast.

The Bayleaf Intramuros, Muralla cor. Victoria, ☎+632-3185000, [31]. A swank new hotel just inside the walls, with great views of the surrounding area (especially from the roof deck). The neighbourhood isn't the best of places in Intramuros but the major sites should be within an easy walk from here. Complimentary WiFi upon check-in. Has a cafe on the ground floor and a restaurant on the 9th.edit

White Knight Hotel, Plaza San Luis Complex, General Luna cor. Urdaneta (opposite San Agustin church), ☎+632-5266539, [32]. It offers different type of rooms such as Standard Room, Deluxe Room, Executive Twin Room Executive Queen Room and Suite, all equipped with Private toilet and bath with hot/ cold water, Flat-screen cable TV, Wi-Fi access, Bed with non-allergenic pillows and duvet sheets, Telephone, etc. Some of its facilities and services are Coco Bango Cafe - a new restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffets, Massage service, Conference room, Travel - airport and city transfers, car rental, tour assistance, etc. From here, guests can easily explore the oldest district in Manila and discover its rich and fascinating history. The following attractions can all be found nearby such as Intramuros - Puerta del Parian, Manila Cathedral, San Agustin Church, Fort Santiago, Reducto de San Pedro, Plaza de la Fuerza, Casa Manila, Plaza de Roma, Malls - 168 Mall, Tutuban Mall, SM Manila, and Robinson's, Statues of King Carlos IV, Philip II, and Queen Isabela II of Spain, etc.edit

Manila Hotel, One Rizal Park, Roxas Blvd, ☎+632-5270011 (resvn@manila-hotel.com.ph, fax: +632-5270022 to 24), [33]. Opened in 1912 on a prime site just outside the walls of Intramuros, the venerable Manila Hotel is a well-known landmark and a historic location in itself. General Douglas MacArthur lived there from 1935 to 1941. Special online rates (currently much lower than published rates) and other offers can be viewed on the hotel's official website.edit